Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Ruby Jay

Ruby Jay is making our holiday wishes come true! The actress-musician recently dropped her brand new single, “My Favorite Christmas“, and it’s everything we’ve ever needed.

We caught up with Ruby to talk about “My Favorite Christmas“, her biggest supporters, and how she’s able to balance all the different facets of her career.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Ruby: I feel like I’ve always been drawn toward the arts, so I never had to discover it. It’s just always been a part of me. I started to properly dive into my love for it when I was around three years old by doing some community theater.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Ruby: My parents have had the biggest influence and impact on my career. Because, let’s be honest, without their love and support and wanting to help me succeed, I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am today.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Ruby: The day I booked Holly Hobbie was a life-changing moment. Before that, I had only done commercials, voiceovers, and two one-episode guest roles. Jumping from little one-day roles to being the lead of my first ever TV series was so surreal and a huge, monumental step in my career.

PC: In addition to acting, you’re also a musician. How has your work in the studio made you a stronger actress and vice versa?
Ruby: I feel like the root of my answer to this question is that it all started in musical theater, which uses both acting and singing to drive and tell a story. For example, when I’m recording a new song, I’m not just singing the words on the page, I’m also listening to what I’m saying and acting it out in the booth. Doing this gives so much more emotion and purpose to the words, which you can hear through the audio. I believe it makes my performance much stronger as a performer.

PC: Is it ever a challenge to balance both of your passions?
Ruby: I would say that I’m lucky to be able to pursue both passions, so I don’t find it too difficult to balance them. I typically only focus on acting whenever I’m filming and then on my off weeks is when I will go record new music (if the inspiration hits). Overall, I would say that I love balancing both!

PC: Tell us about your new single, “My Favorite Christmas”. What inspired the song?
Ruby: To be completely honest, my love for Christmas inspired the song. Christmas is such a special time of the year in our family, and we do the absolute most. Both my sister’s and my birthdays are in December, which makes the month even more special. I loved the idea of having a Christmas song of my own that really captured the emotions and feelings people experience during the holiday season!

PC: You’ve released a few singles. If you had to choose one that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Ruby: I feel like I’m still trying to find myself and my sound as an artist. As of right now, I would say that my song “Sike” is closest to what I am growing to love as an artist. The song was written based on a real event that happened in my life, and being able to pour those emotions into a beautiful song was so amazing.

PC: As we look ahead to 2021, what does the year hold for you, both with acting and music?
Ruby: As of right now nothing super crazy, but I will have some new songs coming in the new, hopefully better, year, and new episodes of Season 2 of The Unicorn on CBS will also air in 2021!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Ruby: Wilbur Soot.

PC: First album you bought?
Ruby: Lizzo—Cuz I Love You.

PC: First concert you attended?
Ruby: Janet Jackson.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Ruby: Bazzi—Cosmic. I just instantly fell in love with every single song on the album.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Ruby: Any stage on Broadway.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Ruby: My crochet projects and supplies.

To keep up with Ruby, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream “My Favorite Christmas” today.